“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Pollio to the College. Given his record of scholarship in the field of social work and his expertise in medical and public health arenas, he is an ideal person to lead the department while building interdisciplinary strength across the various schools at UAB,” said UAB College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Palazzo, Ph.D. “I am confident that his record of leadership, expertise, passion and collaborative instincts will benefit our faculty and students, and the Birmingham community.”

Pollio said he is equally excited.

“The high quality of the faculty and students, the innovative approach to instruction, and the overall strength of the College of Arts and Sciences present tremendous potential for growth and continuing development for the department,” he said. “I am also extremely pleased by the opportunities to continue my own work at a world-class institution. Although I have long involvement with institutions at UAB such as the Center for AIDS Research, the ability to work more closely with other researchers here opens a world of exciting collaborations.”

Pollio’s areas of interest and expertise include mental health and addiction services as well as homelessness, runaway and street youth, evidence-based practice, and group interventions. He has an extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed journals as well as numerous successfully funded grants and pilot projects. In addition, Pollio has a strong commitment to community service, volunteering in various capacities for nearly 20 years.

“This is a time of great possibilities for the field of social work,” Pollio continued. “Rapid improvements in instructional technology and the incorporation of evidence into our teaching create momentum for more effective training of social workers who can help advance practice and promote social justice.”